The West Midlands-based official's last visit to St. James' Park saw the Magpies beat Liverpool 2-0 in December 2015, while he also took charge of the return game at Anfield later that season when Newcastle came from two goals down to draw 2-2.

He also oversaw a 1-0 home loss to Arsenal and a 2-1 defeat at Watford during that campaign.

Last term, he was the man in the middle on 39 occasions in all competitions, showing 146 yellow cards and seven red.

Marriner was the referee for the 2013 FA Cup final and is on the FIFA list of match officials.On Sunday, he will be assisted by Simon Beck and Scott Ledger. Kevin Friend is the fourth official.